I am in the planning stages of a Model A Truck project and need some advice.
My experience is with the early Mustangs and because of this, I would like to put in a 289 with a C4 Tranny and a 9 inch rear with 4 11 gears.
My father thinks the 289 will be too long and narrow for the engine compartment. He thinks I should use a "Y" block with a thunderbird dress up kit. I know next to nothing about "Y" blocks, and realy don't like the way they look. When I asked if I could have one of his flat head engines he said that I would easily spend 6grand getting it set up and running, compared to the 1500 it would take to get the "Y" block going.

All I want is a dependable, fuel efficient, sporty, good sounding hot rod with out taking my Toyota apart and creating an abomination. I think I can do it with a 289.

Any suggestions?